I think it's becoming increasingly obvious that Francine Rivers is one of my favourite authors. I love Bridge to Haven because it is a story of love, second chances and forgiveness. The book tells the story of Abra, a beautiful young woman who rises to become a Hollywood star actress in 1957.
Abra was found abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven by Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, she grows up with alot of emotional scars even after being adopted by a loving family Mr and Mrs Mathews. Surrounded with family and friends who love and care for her, Abra never really feels she belongs, and never truly accepts Peter and Priscillia as her parents, nor does she see Penny as her sister. To Abra, she doesn't belong anywhere or to anyone, not even God. Then comes, Dylan Stark, a sleek handsome young man with charm and charisma, Abra falls hard for him, against all warnings from her family and her closest friend, Joshua, the son of Pastor Ezekiel.
Leaving Joshua and her family heartbroken, she runs off with Dylan Stark to Hollywood where she gets caught up in the glitz and glam of the rich and famous, she changes her name to Lena Scott and becomes a star, an actress in the big screens. In the end Abra is left more shattered and alone than ever, she must find her way home, to her family, to love, and most importantly to God.
The message of acceptance is powerful and moving, it reminded me of the story of the Prodigal son. It tells of the redeeming power of God's love, its ability to heal one of any hurt both physical and emotional. Most importantly we learn how His will is always the best for our lives, no matter what we think is best for us, our ways pale in comparison to what God has in plan for us.
Synopsis
To those who matter in 1950s Hollywood, Lena Scott is the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe. Few know her real name is Abra. Even fewer know the price she's paid to finally feel like she's somebody. To Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven. Zeke and his son, Joshua--Abra's closest friend--watch her grow into an exotic beauty. But Zeke knows the circumstances surrounding her birth etched scars deep in her heart, scars that leave her vulnerable to a fast-talking bad boy who proclaims his love and lures her to Tinseltown. Hollywood feels like a million miles from Haven, and naive Abra quickly learns what's expected of an ambitious girl with stars in her eyes. But fame comes at an awful price. She has burned every bridge to get exactly what she thought she wanted. Now, all she wants is a way back home.
